Ready-to-go lessons that inspire kids to love art

The Kids Art Projects 101 art curriculum is designed for parents and teachers who want to tap into art experiences that encourage creativity, support problem solving and skill development, and inspire self-confidence in young artists.

You already know kids benefit in so many ways from authentic art experiences

You hear it everywhere… Business leaders are saying they value creativity as one of the leading skills they look for in new employees. Leading early childhood organizations are saying that the art of creating is essential to early childhood development. Research shows the mental health benefits of art experiences in children and adults of all ages.  And you know in your heart engaging, well-developed art experiences:

• foster creativity, 
• inspire kids to take artistic risks, 
• provide an outlet for reducing stress and anxiety that are currently on the rise in children,
• encourage self-discovery and self-confidence, and more!

So what can you expect from Kids Art Projects 101?

Kids Art Projects 101 will ultimately be a complete PreK through 5th grade art curriculum full of engaging art lessons to help you make authentic art experiences a regular part of children’s lives. Currently grade level bundles for PreK through first grade are available, and we are working on completing second grade this year.  Note that each of the “grade levels” can be used in a multi-age or homeschool setting, and they do not necessarily need to be presented in the sequence I recommend. Personally in grades K through 5 I like to have an overarching goal or focus for the year that ties all the units together, but you can certainly do the same units with a larger age range instead of aligning specifically with the grade level recommendations.

PRE-K Art Curriculum: Fostering Creativity Through Process Art

We begin with a strong foundation in process art. In this series there are  48 simple and fun process art activities to try with your kids.  Each lesson offers strategies for simplifying, enriching, and extending each activity so you can adjust to suit your kids’ needs. The focus here is playful exploration as you introduce children ages 3 to 6 to a wide variety of art experiences. 

The Fostering Creativity Through Art Series Delivers:

• Open-ended art activities designed to inspire creative art exploration
• Printable PDFs with clear directions, supply lists, work-sample photos, and tips for getting the most out of each activity
• Differentiated strategies for simplifying, enriching, and extending each activity so you can adjust to suit your needs. 

Pre-K Art Curriculum Sequence

The series includes 48 authentic and engaging process art activities. A huge part of the value of this program is the thoughtfully planned sequence of activities. There is a rhythm to the sequence. This is an ideal way to get acquainted (or re-acquainted) with the most fundamental concepts of art-making and artistic thinking…things like: being present, embracing uncertainty, and exploring impulses.

What is included in this pre-k art curriculum?

This process art curriculum includes:

• 12 complete lesson plans for Painting Process Art Projects
• 12 complete lesson plans for Sculpture Process Art Projects
• 12 complete lesson plans for Printmaking Process Art Projects
• 12 complete lesson plans for Mixed-Media Process Art Projects

Free Process Art Sample Lesson

Each lesson includes a printable PDF with clear directions, supply list, process photos, and tips for getting the most out of each activity. The PDF document may be viewed on a digital device or printed. If you prefer to print the file we have also included a customized binder covers, binder spines, and binder tabs.

Differentiated strategies for simplifying, enriching, and extending each activity are also included.

Not familiar with our lesson plans? Download a sample lesson plan here.

RESOURCE OPTIONS FROM THIS CURRICULUM The pre-k art curriculum can be accessed in our shop in individual sections or as a complete curriculum.

• Painting Process Art Projects
• Sculpture Process Art Projects
• Printmaking Process Art Projects
• Mixed-Media Process Art Projects
• COMPLETE Fostering Creativity Through Process Art Curriculum Bundle

 

K-2 Elementary Homeschool Art Curriculum: Famous Artist Series

Introduce children to famous artworks and details about famous artists through an ongoing series of detailed unit plans for K-2 art teachers and homeschool families.

The K-2 Famous Artist Series introduces young children to famous artworks and artists through detailed art units that are easy to follow at home or in a homeschool co-op.

Each unit includes a guided structure so children can learn about an artist, explore related ideas, and complete a studio project inspired by the lessons.

Inside each unit you’ll find a PDF unit guide full of information and tips for teaching the series of art lessons.

While the units in the K-2 Famous Artist series can definitely be used in multiple grade levels if you prefer, I choose to divide them out into a distinct sequence as outlined and explained below since I use them in an elementary art classroom.

However, at home in a multi-age setting kids ages 5-11 can absolutely do the same projects together. Younger students may need slight adaptations such as help with cutting or weaving, but overall they will still be gaining valuable art experience.

As designed each “year” of the art program focuses on an overarching goal and provides some continuity between projects as we progress through the sequence.

The complete K-2 curriculum sequence (aside from the clay units since they require access to a kiln) is available as one primary art bundle if you’d like to have them all in one set.

 

I’ve outlined the overarching goals for each sequence in the individual series sections below.

Play & Experimentation Art Curriculum Sequence

These are the lessons I typically present to kindergarten students. 

This sequence focuses on play, experimentation, mark-making, and material exploration.

This is a wonderful starting point for young children because it helps them build confidence with art materials and creative choices.

Children are encouraged to explore, try new things, and enjoy the process of creating.

HOW TO BUY THE KINDERGARTEN ART CURRICULUM: The kindergarten curriculum can be purchased as a whole or in individual units in our shop, OR you may get access to all units as a member of Kids Art Projects 101.

Inspiration from Imagination Art Curriculum Sequence

These are the lessons I typically present to 1st grade students.

The first grade sequence focuses on imagination as a driving force for artists.

Children learn that artists use ideas, stories, memories, and make-believe as inspiration for their work.

This sequence is especially helpful for encouraging creative thinking and helping children see themselves as artists.

HOW TO BUY THE FIRST GRADE ART CURRICULUM: The first grade curriculum can be purchased as a whole or in individual units in our shop, OR you may get access to all units as a member of Kids Art Projects 101.

Inspiration from Nature Art Curriculum Sequence

These are the lessons I typically present to 2nd grade students.

The second grade sequence focuses on nature as a source of inspiration for artists across time and cultures.

Children explore how the natural world can inspire colors, lines, shapes, patterns, textures, and ideas.

This sequence is a beautiful fit for homeschool families who enjoy nature study, outdoor observation, or cross-curricular learning.

HOW TO BUY THE SECOND GRADE ART CURRICULUM: The second grade curriculum can be purchased as or whole or in individual units in our shop, OR you may get access to all units when they are released as a member of Kids Art Projects 101.

Art from Around the World for Upper Elementary Students

These are the lessons I typically present to 3rd grade students.

The third grade curriculum introduces children to art from around the world through projects inspired by cultural traditions, environmental influences, and global art forms.

These lessons help students think about how people, places, materials, beliefs, and environments can influence art.

This series can be especially meaningful for homeschool families who want to connect art with geography, culture, history, and creative expression.

HOW TO BUY THE THIRD GRADE ART CURRICULUM: The third grade curriculum is now available as a whole bundle or in individual units in our shop, OR you may get access to all existing units and new units as they are released as a member of Kids Art Projects 101.

Fourth Grade Art Curriculum Sequence: In Progress

The fourth grade curriculum is currently in development. New unit are release every other month.

The fourth grade sequence focuses on artists who use art as storytelling and communication.

Students explore how artists share memories, feelings, hopes, life experiences, and personal perspectives through their artwork.

In this sequence we present more female artists and people of color. Our first unit in the 4th grade lineup is about Grandma Moses. She paints memories. Her story is absolutely fascinating. In the 4th grade sequence you can also expect units about Walt Disney, Faith Ringgold, Norman Rockwell, Frida Khalo, Roy Lichtenstein, Banksy, Salvador Dali, and Alma Thomas.

Fifth Grade Art Curriculum Sequence: Coming Soon

When the fourth grade curriculum is completed in January 2027 we will begin releasing units for the fifth grade elementary art curriculum. New units are consistently released every other month. In the meantime it is perfectly okay to use different units from our curriculum with your fourth and fifth grade students. You do not have to wait until all units are released to really take advantage of this done-for-you art curriculum.

If you become a member of Kids Art Projects 101 now, you’ll continue to receive each new art unit as it is released for as long as you are an active member. Click here to learn more about getting started as a member today.